the ultimate mother city guide
Cape Town News
Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, who was convicted of killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013, is up for parole after completing half of his 13year prison term. The Correctional Supervision and Parole Board will decide if Pistorius is ready for social reintegration and determine his placement date if he is granted parole. Reeva Steenkamp’s mother won’t be attending the parole hearing, but her victim impact statement will be read by advocate Annade ThiartHofmeyr.
The Springboks, South Africa’s Rugby Union squad, have had a remarkable four years with two World Cup victories, a Rugby Championship title, and an accomplished British & Irish Lions series. However, many of their veteran players are nearing retirement, and a new generation of rugby talents is needed to sustain their standing. The introduction of new talent and transfer of leadership will be key for the Springboks to perpetuate their legacy in the future.
Chommies is a film that showcases Eli Beukes’ expert surfing skills in South Africa’s picturesque coastal landscapes. Alongside his talented friends, Beukes fearlessly conquers tumultuous barrels and executes intricate air moves. It’s a celebration of South Africa’s surfing culture and a mustsee for all surf enthusiasts.
South Africa’s National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) recently hosted its first Energy Conference, aimed at addressing the country’s energy issues and socioeconomic concerns through sustainable energy solutions. The Integrated Resource Plan proposes a diverse energy blend to cater to the nation’s expected growth in electricity demand, including renewable and nonrenewable resources. The shift towards a lowcarbon future and the evaluation of the role of resources like coal, oil, and gas in the transition process is an essential discussion. Furthermore, the Upstream Petroleum Industry could create significant economic upliftment for the country, positioning it as a key player in oil and gas production and supply.
South Africa’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has opened applications for funding for the academic year 2024, providing hope for students facing social and economic challenges. The application window will run until the end of January 2024, and NSFAS has introduced a mobile app to simplify the process. The scheme supports 1.6 million students, and the government aims to streamline the funding process and improve the query handling process to enhance students’ experience.
Cape Town’s Jobs Connect platform has revolutionized the job market in South Africa, connecting job seekers and employers through an easytouse online platform accessible at no data charge for MTN and Vodacom users. With over 98,000 individuals registered and many success stories, Jobs Connect acts as a catalyst for ambitions and a guiding light in the intricate process of job hunting, while fulfilling the goal of cutting down the unemployment line. This innovative platform has earned recognition and transformed the way employers and candidates convene, setting a benchmark for other cities to emulate.
On November 22nd, 2023, an important event took place in South Africa’s transportation industry as delegates from the country’s transportation sector gathered at Kenilworth Station in Cape Town to reassess safety protocols. Led by Deputy Minister Lisa Mangcu, the inspection was an initiative to ensure passenger safety and service efficiency. The media’s involvement promoted transparency and accountability, and the event exemplified the government’s dedication to public service and public transport’s crucial role in citizens’ daily lives.
South Africa is working hard to reduce its 15% rate of premature births, advocating for consistent and early antenatal care for expectant mothers. Initiatives such as MomConnect and the SidebySide radio campaign promote health for both mothers and their infants, while guidelines are in place for managing conditions such as hypertension and infections. South Africa has also committed to safeguarding children with vaccinations and exclusive breastfeeding for at least 24 months. It is part of a larger plan targeted at lowering the mortality rate for children under five.
The 2023/24 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign aims to reduce road accidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by negligent and dangerous driving. It brings together various authorities, stakeholders, and the community to promote road safety instruction and traffic law enforcement. The campaign’s launch, guided by the Minister of Transport, will focus on the impact of alcohol on road users and take place on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. The campaign’s legacy seeks to foster a culture of safety, respect, and consideration on our roads, ensuring everyone’s safety during the festive season.
Over 300 medical professionals in Cape Town gathered in a picket line, demanding an urgent ceasefire and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for Palestine. The Health Care Workers for Palestine emphasized the importance of allowing hospitals and clinics to function without fear of being targeted and appealed for the sanctity of healthcare to be preserved. Among the protestors was Norwegian doctor Mads Gilbert, who spoke about an alliance of healthcare workers being created to reconstruct the healthcare system in Gaza.
On November 21, 2023, South Africa’s higher education sector experienced a monumental event. Professor Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, and Mr Ernest Khosa, the Board Chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme’s (NSFAS), convened to engage the press. Their objective was impactful, marking the launch of NSFAS funding applications for the 2024 academic year.
“The Smeds and the Smoos” is a groundbreaking children’s animation that has won international acclaim, including an Emmy Award. Directed by Daniel Snaddon and Samantha Cutler, the film is based on a popular children’s book and tells the story of two young aliens from rival clans who fall in love. The film’s success is an inspiration for aspiring creators and shows the power of imagination to bring people together.
The FIFPRO General Assembly gathered worldrenowned delegates, special guests, and media personnel to reflect on past achievements and strategize for the future of international football. South African Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, spoke passionately about the importance of postretirement opportunities for footballers, and advocated for diverse career paths such as coaching, media, and entrepreneurship. The Assembly also addressed challenges such as the continued prevalence of racism in football, emphasizing the multidimensional nature of the sport’s societal impact.
Operation Phakisa was a successful multisector collaboration aimed at tackling marine resourcerelated offenses, illegal ranching, fishing, and harvesting, drug distribution, and the influx of illegal immigrants in Namakwa district. It involved various departments and SAPS units and celebrated several victories, including the seizure of marine resource products and the arrest of offenders. The operation showcased the effectiveness of a coordinated approach in addressing a wide array of issues.
Dirkco Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen, a sevenyearold dance prodigy from South Africa, captured the hearts of millions with his captivating performance at his sister’s annual concert. Known as ‘Klein Kwagga’, Dirkco’s love for dance mesmerized the audience and his video went viral, amassing over ten million views on TikTok in a few days. Dirkco’s story is a reminder that talent knows no age, and the power of dance can resonate across borders, eliciting joy and admiration from millions.
In the middle of November 2023, a significant national event took place. It marked the commencement of the Voter Registration Weekend in South Africa, an important affair directed by the Electoral Commission. The event sent a profound message to the country: the foundation of democracy, the power of the citizen’s ballot, was being prepared with great precision and openness.
